Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has stepped up the civic administration’s campaign against unauthorised banners, posters and advertising displays, personally overseeing their removal from the newly constructed railway flyover at Sion on Thursday evening.
While returning from an official visit, Tawde noticed several political and commercial banners, posters and advertising boards installed along the flyover. The displays were obstructing traffic signals and directional signboards, creating difficulties for motorists.
Taking immediate action, the Mayor stopped her vehicle and summoned officials and civic staff to the location. She remained at the site throughout the operation, supervising the removal of unauthorised displays from the flyover and nearby areas.
The action was carried out without favouring any political party or commercial establishment. Tawde instructed officials to remove all banners and advertising boards fixed to the flyover railings and surrounding locations. Personnel from the Licensing, Maintenance and Encroachment Removal departments participated in the drive.
The Mayor made it clear that defacement of newly developed public infrastructure, including flyovers, would not be permitted. She also directed the civic administration to extend the campaign across the city instead of limiting enforcement to selected locations. Tawde warned that officials and employees found responsible for negligence or delays would face strict action.
She appealed to political organisations, businesses and other stakeholders to cooperate with the initiative and help eliminate unauthorised banners and posters from Mumbai.
Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Licence Department has removed 12,396 unauthorised banners, boards, posters and other displays during a five-week campaign conducted between October 8 and November 12, 2026. The drive involved 22 days of enforcement and resulted in 15 FIRs or prosecution complaints against those responsible.
Of the total removals, 7,640 were banners, including 4,540 religious or social, 1,959 political and 1,141 commercial displays. The civic body also cleared 3,869 boards and 657 posters. Additionally, 219 flags were removed and 11 cases of wall defacement were recorded.
Source: Mid-day
